FANSHAWE COLLEGE
Fanshawe partners with CWB Welding Foundation to host Women of Steel^TM program

Fanshawe College has been selected as one of 14 institutions across Canada - the only one in Ontario - to host CWB Welding Foundation's Women of Steel^TM: Forging Forward Program, a fully funded initiative aimed at providing a gateway for women and women-identifying individuals to welding and other welding-related skilled trades careers. 

The pre-employment program includes practical theory, hands-on welding training and skills development in a safe and supporting environment, with a flexible schedule to allow participants to balance responsibilities. Short training periods will be used to train the participants in several welding processes, with the ability to obtain up to six CWB welding qualifications in various positions with multiple processes making graduates ready for apprenticeship, post-secondary and employment. 

The program is 18 weeks, running from May 29 to September 25, and includes a four-week industry work placement. In-person classes and lab training will take place at Fanshawe's St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus, supplemented by 70 hours of online training. 

Heather Carey, manager of Fanshawe's Corporate Training Solutions, says the partnership plays an important role in helping to unlock the potential of women across the region. 

"Providing women with opportunities to pursue traditionally male-dominated careers like welding and other skilled trades is critically important on both an individual and regional level," says Carey. "The Women of Steel program offers a supportive environment and mentoring opportunities to give our participants the best opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and resilience as they pursue a rewarding new career." 

All participants will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety boots as well as a welding jacket, helmet and gloves. Qualifying participants may be eligible for funding to offset certain expenses (e.g., travel, childcare, technology, etc.). 

There are still seats available. All those who identify as a woman, including those from racialized or marginalized groups such as Indigenous, Black, newcomers, LGBTQ2S, women with disabilities, or with a prolonged detachment from the labour force are encouraged to apply. 

To find out more, go to fanshawec.ca/wos. 

Anyone interested in registering for the September 2023 intake of Fanshawe's Welding Techniques program at the College's St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus, can contact Kara Thibuealt at kthibuealt@fanshawec.ca.